Currently available projects

« Back

Developing Calixarenes to Target i-Motif and G-quadruplex Nucleic Acids

Information

  • Start date: October 2013
  • Programme: PhD
  • Mode of Study: Full Time
  • Studentship Length: 3 years

How to Apply

  • Deadline: 31 July 2013 Applications are processed as soon as they are received, so early application is encouraged. NB applicants who wish to start their studies in October 2013 should submit their application by 31 July 2013 at the very latest. Applications received after this date will be considered for the January 2014 entry point if the project is still available.
  • Apply online

Fees & Funding

Entry Requirements

  • Acceptable First Degree:

    Chemistry, Pharmacy

  • Minimum Entry Standard: At least a BSc (Hons) 2.1 or equivalent.

Project Description

Although it is assumed that DNA exists as a Watson-Crick double helix in cells, DNA has also been shown to form alternative DNA structures, depending on the sequence and local environment conditions. This project will involve the development of a new class of molecules to interact with higher order DNA secondary structures by combining known DNA interacting ligands with a cell penetrating calix[4]arene scaffold. We hypothesise that the combination of two structural features would create the opportunity for DNA binding ligands to have improved binding affinity and specificity between different nucleic acid structures via interaction on a three-dimensional level.

References

Nikolova, E. N.; Kim, E.; Wise, A. A.; O'Brien, P, J.; Andricioaei, I.; Al-Hashimi, H. M. Nature, 2011, 470, 498-502

 

Choi, J; Majima, T, Chem Soc Rev, 2011, DOI: 10.1039/C1CS15153C

Lalor R, Baillie-Johnson H, Redshaw C, Matthews SE, Mueller A, J Am Chem Soc. 2008, 130, (10), 2892-3

Park SY, Yoon JH, Hong CS, Souane R, Kim JS, Matthews SE, Vicens J, J Org Chem, 2008, 73, (21), 8212-8



Apply online